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The Registered Master Builders Carters 2005 Apprentice of the Year - Waikato Region winner with dignatires at the event.
From the left - John Cocks "Cocksy" (MC), David Speight (Winner), Paul Hammerich (Carters) and Peter Santner (Waikato
Association President)
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David Speight, Registered Master Builders Carters 2005 Apprentice of the Year - Waikato Region winner
Media Release
13 October 2005
2005 Waikato Region Carpentry Apprentice of the Year announced
David Speight, 22, of Whitianga has won the inaugural Registered Master Builders Carters 2005 Apprentice of the Year
competition for the Waikato Region.
Announced last night at a function in Hamilton, David was presented with his award by Peter Santner, President, Waikato
Registered Master Builders Association; Paul Hammerich, Area Manager, Carters; and Peter Robson, Chairman of the
Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO).
The event was well attended and guests included Deputy Mayor of Hamilton, Bob Simcock, and John Cocks, “Cocksy”, from
Carters who was MC for the evening. The competition aims to foster and encourage the training and development of young
carpentry apprentices.
Entrants are judged on their practical skills, knowledge of the building sector and materials, and the way they relate
to people. Endorsement from their employer and education institution is also taken into account. Speight, a carpentry
apprentice for Rod Percival Builders Ltd in Whitianga, said he was thrilled to win the prestigious competition.
Terry Davis, Carters representative on the judging panel, said: “David possesses impressive organisational skills and a
high degree of professionalism. The future of the building industry is in good stead and will benefit from the
contribution from someone of his calibre.”
Pieter Burghout, Chief Executive of Registered Master Builders said the Federation was committed to industry training
and the Apprentice of the Year awards helped it to encourage young people into the sector.
“The construction industry is an excellent career choice and rewarding successful apprentices is a great way to nurture
and grow the future of the sector. These awards provide an incentive for trainees and demonstrate the kind of personal
and trade skills we are looking for in our young people coming through.”
Katrina Osborn, spokesperson from principal sponsor Carters agrees, “Apprentices are the key to the construction
sector’s future. Carters want to support young tradespeople as they gain the skills and experience they need to build
successful careers.”
Speight receives an Outward Bound Leadership course to the value of $3,500 and a study grant of $2,500 on winning the
competition.
Second place in the competition went to William Johnston, 22, of Taupiri, Hamilton while Matt Looker, 26, of Hamilton
was third. Both received building tools and apparel from Carters. Myles Gordon, 22, of Hamilton received a Highly
Commended award.
The Registered Master Builders Carters 2005 Apprentice of the Year is supported by principal sponsor Carters; and
supporting sponsor the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO).
For more information on the competition, contact your local Carters stores, BCITO or registered master builder, or visit
www.masterbuilder.org.nz.
ENDS